Governor General Mary Simon’s swearing-in ceremony cost Canadians more per attendee than the one for former governor general Julie Payette, according to documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). .“At first glance it looks like Simon’s swearing-in ceremony is saving taxpayers’ money, but once you look closer, you find Simon spent thousands of dollars more per guest than Payette did,” said CTF federal director Franco Terrazzano in a Thursday blog post. .“Despite the event taking place during the pandemic, Simon still managed to rack up a six-figure tab that cost thousands of dollars per guest.”.The Department of Canadian Heritage confirmed to the CTF Simon’s swearing-in ceremony cost more than $171,800. .Costs included more than $500 for writing Simon’s name in Canada’s Golden Book and $8,000 for a speechwriter. Canadian Heritage did not disclose all of the expenses for the event. .While Simon’s event cost less than the one for Payette, it cost thousands of dollars more per attendee. .Payette’s swearing-in ceremony cost taxpayers $649,000. About 3,000 people showed up, which means her ceremony cost an estimated $216 per guest. .The blog post said due to COVID-19 restrictions, 44 people attended Simon's ceremony, so costs per attendee were at least $3,904. .“Taxpayers are looking for a better relationship with Rideau Hall, but spending thousands of dollars per guest on a swearing-in ceremony during a pandemic is not a good start,” said Terrazzano. .“Leadership starts at the top and that means respecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money must start with the governor general.”.The CTF is calling on the Canadian government to release a full, detailed expense list for Simon’s trip to the Middle East, after a report showing in-flight catering cost $93,118. .“It’s crazy the governor general and her passengers racked up a nearly six-figure tab on in-flight catering, and we need to see exactly what all that money was spent on,” said Terrazzano. .“If they are spending nearly six figures on in-flight catering, we also need to see the receipts for the full trip.”.Simon is facing scrutiny from MPs over high catering costs for the trip. .The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates voted unanimously to review expenses MPs called reckless on Tuesday. .“We all find it excessive,” said Liberal MP Anthony Housefather.
